Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS Review

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master Performance

The Sony website claims that this lens has “stunning” sharpness, and I have to concur.

At 100mm, central sharpness is outstanding from f/4.5 to f/16, very good at f/22 and only becoming soft from diffraction at f/32. The edges are outstanding from f/4.5 to f/11, excellent at f/16, very good at f/22 and again soft by f/32.

At 200mm, sharpness is again outstanding from f/5.6 to f/16, very good f/22 and good at f/32. The edges are excellent from f/5.6 to f/16, very good at f/22 and soft at f/32.

300mm sees outstanding central sharpness from f/5.6 to f/16, very good levels at f/22, becoming good by f/32. The edges are excellent from f/5.6 to f/16, bordering into the outstanding category at f/8 and f/11. Results are excellent at f/16, very good at f/22 and soft from f/32.

At 400mm quality is very satisfyingly maintained, which is not always the case with long zooms. Sharpness is centrally outstanding from f/5.6 to f/16, very good at f/22 and soft from f/32. The edges are very good at f/5.6 and f/8, excellent at f/11 and f/16, very good at f/22 and softening by f/32.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is controlled very well centrally, with some impressively low figures, especially at 100mm and 400mm. The edges do show some fringing, but also very well controlled, remarkably well for a long zoom lens of this type. For most photography, it won't be a problem, but software correction is always available if needed.

Distortion is also very low for a lens of this specification. We have pincushion distortion throughout, but at quite modest levels. It measures +0.34% at 100mm, +1.43% at 200mm, +1.47% at 300mm and +1.51% at 400mm. This is unlikely to be in need of further correction, but it can be done using software if desired.

It is possible to induce some flare in the most extreme conditions, but the worst that happens is a slight loss of contrast. Flare control is excellent, even without the hood in place. Using the hood is of course still a good idea, protecting not only against flare but also against the occasional knock.

A long telephoto and a rounded diaphragm helps to ensure smooth, well-gradated bokeh. That quality of the out of focus areas is there and is very smooth. Despite the high resolution, there is no roughness and results are extremely pleasing.

There have been some amazing results with this lens and the OSS system also provides some surprises. Amazingly, it gives somewhere around 5 stops of advantage, so with the lens set at 400mm, it is possible to shoot reliably sharp images down to 1/8 second. Although the use of a tripod is better for many still subjects, the OSS enables handheld shooting in very dull light indeed. This does not help at all with moving subjects of course, but it can be invaluable for some other subjects.

Value For Money

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master lens costs £2499. Although undeniably a large amount of money, in relation to its quality perhaps it can be justified.

To put this in perspective, we can see what other lenses are available for other marques and judge the relative levels. All these choices are for DSLRs only, which of course in one sense makes the new Sony lens unique and the only choice for E mount users.

However, Canon users have the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM at £1799. Nikon offers the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (£1179), the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 G ED VR II (£6109) and the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (£1799). Sony A mount users have the 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II at £1999. Finally, Pentax users have the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4-5.6 ED DC AW priced at £1949.

Clearly, the new Sony is more expensive, but it is also unique in what it can do for E mount users. For more options have a look at the Top 15 Best Sony E / FE Mount Lenses or the Top 25 Best Telephoto Zoom lenses.

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